Thanks to a commenter on last week’s Now That’s A Knife post for pointing out that Jeremy Hanson’s Spudgun Technology Center has a custom machine for rifling PVC pipe to make more accurate barrels for potato cannon. They sell several varieties of rifled PVC (including clear) in assorted lengths. The way I hear it, the rifling machine was first designed and build by STC founder Ed Goldmann. [Thanks, Bryce Bell!]

I am descended from 5,000 generations of tool-using primates. Also, I went to college and stuff. I am a long-time contributor to MAKE magazine and makezine.com. My work has also appeared in ReadyMade, c’t – Magazin für Computertechnik, and The Wall Street Journal.

Ed did indeed invent the PVC rifler — he also brought such innovations as clear PVC for exciting night shots. The rifling works wicked good, btw. I’d estimate I get about 20% more distance and much more accuracy, much to the dismay of my neighbors’ pond.

http://twitter.com/tsaylor Tim Saylor

Awesome, I just saw a potato gun on TV and was wondering about rifling the barrel for better accuracy.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1244563591 Pete Rippe

if you’re going to bother rifling grooves, please, atleast take the time to hone that barrel. look at all those lumps and speed bumps

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_42HZ7DFOYCFUEWVP3MPWF3QNAQ alan

How has this not been targeted by the ATF? that looks very illegal.
.1.8 Destructive device…

2.1.8.2 Large caliber weapons. The second section of the definition states that any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore diameter of more than one-half inch in diameter is a destructive device. This portion of the definition specifically excludes a shotgun or *shotgun shell*(emphasis added) which the Attorney General finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. ATF has issued rulings classifying specific shotguns as destructive devices because they have a bore of more than one half inch in diameter and were found to not be particularly suitable for sporting purposes.19

http://www.facebook.com/sketchecipher Derek Forrey

im sure atf has better things to do than hunt down people who make potato guns

Like supply Mexican drug cartels with real guns or was that another corrupt “law enforcement” agency?

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_42HZ7DFOYCFUEWVP3MPWF3QNAQ alan

How has this not been targeted by the ATF? that looks very illegal.
.1.8 Destructive device…

2.1.8.2 Large caliber weapons. The second section of the definition states that any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore diameter of more than one-half inch in diameter is a destructive device. This portion of the definition specifically excludes a shotgun or *shotgun shell*(emphasis added) which the Attorney General finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. ATF has issued rulings classifying specific shotguns as destructive devices because they have a bore of more than one half inch in diameter and were found to not be particularly suitable for sporting purposes.19

Dwayne Mattson

The ATF has said that it is not interested in spud guns.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D4CU5SKUVC7NG7CHRFG76HDDEM Adam

Because we are the aqua teen, make the homies say ho and the girlies wanna scream.

stevo58

what a dumbass… keep reading dickhead, spud guns are for recreational use, as long as they are not used for destructive purposes they are completely legal. the only thing is, if you have asshole neighbors they can call you in for a noise complaint.